Orange Bay: El Gouna Travel Guide (4.4★)

A white strip in a blue sea

From the deck, Giftun Island looks like a low, pale line of desert lying on the water. Then the boat swings round and the colour changes under the hull. Deep navy turns to the bright turquoise of shallow water over sand, and a beach comes into view.

That is Orange Bay. It is a sandy strip on Giftun Island in the Red Sea Governorate. People come for three things: clear water, snorkeling and a long lunch outdoors. There is no town here, no road and no way in except by boat.

It is also very well known. It is one of the most-reviewed beach stops on this stretch of coast, and reviewers consistently rate it well. Go expecting a popular day out with plenty of company, not an empty island.

Getting out to Giftun Island

Every visit starts at a marina. Most Orange Bay trips leave from Hurghada, which is a short drive south of El Gouna. Many operators include a hotel pickup in El Gouna, and some trips leave from El Gouna’s own marinas.

The crossing is part of the trip. Boats often stop at a reef on the way out or the way back so you can snorkel. Before you book, ask:

• Where it departs from, and whether pickup from your El Gouna hotel is included
• How many hours you actually get on the beach, not just on board
• Whether snorkel gear and lunch are included
• Whether the national park entry is in the price or paid separately

The operator or your hotel desk will give you current prices. They change with the season and the boat, so compare a few before you choose.

The boat clock: how an Orange Bay day runs

Your day runs on the boat’s timetable. The beach is currently open 6am–6pm, but your time on the sand is set by when the boat lands and when it leaves. A typical trip has a morning departure, a reef stop, several hours on the beach and a return in the late afternoon.

Because of that, the early departures are worth the alarm. They land you on the island before the later boats arrive. You also have the shallows to yourself for longer.

Hours can change, so check the current schedule with your operator. The island closes at 6pm on the listed days. Do not plan on watching sunset from the beach unless the operator confirms a later return.

In the water

The shallows are the main event. The sand slopes gently into water you can wade through a long way before it gets deep. That makes it easy for children and for weak swimmers. Further out, the bottom turns from sand to coral, and that is where the snorkeling starts.

The Giftun Islands sit inside a protected area of the Red Sea. The reef rules there are taken seriously:

• Don’t stand on or touch coral, even in shallow patches
• Don’t feed the fish or take shells, coral or sand
• Use a reef-safe sunscreen, or cover up with a rash vest instead
• Wear fins, or bring water shoes if you want to walk out over rougher ground

Boats usually bring life jackets for anyone who wants one. If you are unsure in open water, take one. On many days the currents at the reef stops are stronger than they are in the bay.

Lunch on the sand

Eating outside is a big part of the Orange Bay day. Lunch usually comes as part of your trip package, served on the beach. Most trips serve Egyptian grill-style food with salads and bread, though the menu depends on the operator. Ask when you book if you need vegetarian food or have allergies.

There is very little natural shade on Giftun. Shade comes from umbrellas and covered areas, and these fill up once several boats have landed. Claim a spot when you arrive, then head into the water.

Island manners and the crew

Operators organise almost everything, so the rules are mostly about how you behave on board and on the beach.

Tipping the crew. In Egypt, people tip boat crews, guides and drivers, usually in cash in Egyptian pounds at the end of the trip. Carry some small notes, because no one will have change on the island.

Paying for extras. Cards don’t always work on the boat or the beach. Optional extras, like photos or drinks not included in your package, are usually paid in cash. Check first.

Listen to the briefing. The crew explains the reef stop, the meeting time and the boarding point. Boats leave on time, and you won’t be the only group on the beach. Note what your boat looks like and where it’s moored.

Dress. Swimwear is normal on the beach and on the boat. Bring a cover-up for the bus and the marina, which are more conservative spaces.

When to go and what to pack

The Red Sea is a year-round destination, but the seasons feel different. Spring and autumn bring warm water and bearable heat on the sand. Summer is very hot with strong sun. In winter the air is pleasant, but the water feels cool, and many snorkelers wear a wetsuit.

Weekends and holiday periods bring more boats. If you have a choice, book a weekday and an early departure.

Pack for a full day with little shade and no shops:

• Hat, sunglasses and a long-sleeved rash vest
• Reef-safe sunscreen
• Your own mask, if you’re picky about fit
• A dry bag for your phone and cash
• Small notes for tips
• A towel, if your operator doesn’t provide one

Leave the drone at your hotel unless your operator confirms it’s allowed in the protected area. Ask before flying anything.